A/N: I'm really sorry about the long wait but my computer had a bug. Anyway thank you all so very much for your reviews! I was also wondering if any of my readers here is willing to be my BETA? Just post me a note on the review board and I will contact those of you who are interested.

Thank you, thank you, thank you all of my wonderful readers and reviewers!!

Again, I am so so so so (etc.) sorry for taking so long. It won't happen again.

Chapter 3:

Aragorn woke early the next morning to relieve Gimli of his watch. He sat a few feet away from what used to be the campfire. Wrinkling his brow, he hunched over, settling his elbows on his knees and palm under his chin. What am I going to do? I can't leave her unprotected, ever, not even for a moment. He ran his hands through his hair. I can't always be with her, I doubt Gandalf will be able to be with guard her either, and I would rather her be unaided than ever with Boromir alone. In fact, she needs to be protected from him. He glanced around the camp. His eyes landed on Legolas. Yes, Legolas. He would protect her; all I would have to do is ask. He might not be the most willing, but Legolas would understand the concern I have for Aliana's safety.

He would also have to explain to her that men of all races were not as kindly to women as he was. She had been brought up in a very sheltered life. She had only ever been around men who had completely respected her. She was going to have to adapt to being, and he hated to say it, subservient to men. They would expect it from her and he didn't want them to think Aliana's coming with was of no use. He would approach Legolas about Aliana's protection as soon as the camp woke up.

"Legolas," Aragorn motioned to Legolas.

Legolas pick up his quiver, slung it over his shoulder and retrieved his bow from his sleeping place before following Aragorn a few feet outside of the clearing. Aragorn began to pace and rubbed his beard with his hand. Legolas stood steadily with his hands folded in front of him, watching the anxious human.

"Legolas, I am very worried about Aliana. She has never had to survive in a situation like this, she is young and too innocently beautiful and with..." his voice began to grow angry.

"Boromir. You fear he will try to take advantage of her."

"So you realized how he acted toward her last night too?" Aragorn replied, worry in his tone, but at the same time curious of Legolas's motivation to notice.

"The filth in his grin bothered me alike."

"That is what I wanted to ask you about Legolas. I am very afraid for Aliana's safety while on this journey, not only because of Boromir but also the other dangers we all face."

"What are you asking of me Aragorn?" Legolas asked even though he already knew the response.

"I am asking you to protect Aliana. I want you to guard her, whenever possible."

"I will protect her no less than I would any other member of the company, and I-"

But Aragorn cut him off, "No, I'm asking you be a bodyguard of sorts. I want you to stay very close to her. As much of time as possible, I wish that she never be without you or I. And especially when I am leading the company, will you always have your guard up?"

Legolas could not believe what he was being asked to do. He would have to watch her every move, baby-sit her no doubt. Aragorn was asking quite a lot of him, but he knew that Aragorn would be too distraught to act reasonably if he had to worry about Aliana. He decided to accept only because he knew it would be the only way to put Aragorn's mind as ease.

"I will protect her no less than you would yourself."

"Thank you Legolas; I owe you more than you may realize."

"You are very welcome, but if I may ask, has Aliana given consent for me to... to not leave her side?"

Aragorn cleared his throat, "Well...I am going to approach her about it as soon as she wakes up," they heard loud chattering coming from the camp, "which I am guessing would be very soon." Aragorn placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder, "Thank you again."

They headed back to the clearing.

Aliana was busying herself with what she could to help prepare the company to leave. She looked about the clearing hoping to spot Aragorn so she could ask how to make herself useful. I haven't slept worse in years, though I suppose I will get used to it soon. She rose when she saw that Aragorn was not in the clearing. Her head jolted back and forth over her shoulders; her eyes desperately seeking his protection. Then she saw him and the elf, Legolas, emerging from the forest. Aragorn looked troubled and she walked over to them.

When Legolas saw Aliana approaching them, he busied himself away from Aragorn.

"How did you sleep last night Aliana?"

"Very well," she lied, "but Aragorn," she hastened, "what is in your mind? You always wrinkle your forehead in that way when there is something you have trouble finding words for something."

He sighed heavily. "Aliana, you know the place many women hold in most societies; they cook, and wash, and clean. I am sure you were very aware of this from the council last night." Aliana only waited for Aragorn to finish his thought. "You will be expected to do these things in order to ... 'earn your keep'"

"I've understood that on my own last night. Aragorn, what is it that really troubles you?"

"I do not want anything to harm you on our quest. I will not always to be right next to you when we are traveling, so I have asked one of the Fellowship to help protect you. He is doing me a great favor and I ask that you should not try to resist his protection. I have asked him to stay near you at all times, so do not think it curious if he does not leave within your earshot... Aliana?"

The whole time she could not believe that he was doing this to her. Doesn't he think I can protect myself? "Why do you insist on treating me like a wondering child? I could do perfectly well without a guard."

"Aliana!" He was growing irritated, "you are too dear to me to lose. Please, try to see the position I am in. Legolas has agreed to help me and I don't want you messing that up. Please, let me protect you for once."

Aliana felt her heart sink; the last thing she wanted to do was ruin thinks for someone she cared for so much. But, why the elf? He had been so uneasy toward me, he made me feel uncomfortable, and now he was supposed to protect me? However, she did not want Aragorn to go through anymore trouble than what he already had done for her. She let out a mental sigh as she realized that the elf seemed to intimidate Boromir. Thank the gods for that!